knitakitty’s Story
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So, long story short...
knitakitty made the mistake of
thinking that my newfound tenacity of writing letters to people would encourage them to write back
My Advice to You is
sign, seal, and don't expect others to deliver
Here's the whole story
All my life I have loved getting mail. Any kind of mail really, but mostly the kind of mail that came from someone who was thinking of me and decided to send me something through the US Postal Service. As I have gotten older, I realized how much other people enjoyed receiving mail.
A few weeks ago, I bought a very nice address book of my own, so I could stop borrowing my mothers'. It is pink with a brown velveteen bird on the cover. I only write in it with my favorite red pen. I was very diligent to go onto MySpace and ask my true-blue friends for their addresses. I also scoured the house up and down, searching for old letters with return addresses of relatives and friends. My quest was rather successful, and I have most pages of my new little pink book filled.
I collect stationary. I have all sorts of little note cards for all sorts of occasions. So I began to write. I sent out post cards, note cards, letters on lovely stationary paper. Anything that I thought the recipient would enjoy discovering in their mailbox. There was no reason for me doing this. No birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. I was just writing to say that I was thinking of them. I'd write very artfully and decorate the envelopes with stickers. I'd doodle little swirly designs on the backs of the envelopes, and select postage stamps that corresponded with the overall look. Then I popped the letters in the mailbox, and tried imagining the looks on my friends' faces when they'd see all the work that I'd done.
I have not received any letters back from anyone. It has been quite a while.
The friends that I work with never acknowledged that they had received my letters. Only one girl said she got it after I had asked her. Then she started telling me about the issues she and her husband were having. I was feeling really low about it all. Why wasn't anyone at least saying that they got my letters? I know I had put more than adequate postage on all of them. Did anyone care?
Then I realized it didn't matter.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. My expectations were high, when I should not have had any. I know that I did a nice thing for others, and if all that happened was that one person smiled at my letter amongst their bills, i accomplished what I set forth to do.
And I kept the Post Office busy in the off season.
Comments (3)
I know when I receive any type of hand written mail it stands out. I think that's the big reason credit card companies try and fool people with those fake handwriting envelopes and letters they send to everyone.
I don't see how a person could not smile after receiving a hand written letter from a friend. People don't hand write letters anymore because it's just so much more tedious and time consuming with today’s technology. This makes it all the more reason to appreciate it when some takes the time to do so.
I love the conclusion you came to. I too send out real mail every once in a while. I agree that the enjoyment of doing it is as fun as the thought of the smiles that will ensue.
I am intrigued by the friend who started talking about her husband. It was as if the letter had opend the door to intimacy. She needed a friend and perhaps saw the letter as the door opener to a kind and open ear. WOW.
I know for myself when I do for others, I have to really turn over the desire to have a response. I question myself on why I am doing the kind deed, for them or for me to feel better about me??
You accomplished me smiling as well! I too collect note cards and such, and could imagine you creating these lovely gifts from your hand and heart...a lovely vision to behold...reminds me of those books, Letters from Sabine, Ya familiar> they are these books that have a series of letters between lovers. There are these tender envelopes in the book, that hold letters that you explore and engage with...fun and sweet...and visually beautiful!
Thanks for the smile!